Carnelian Room

5 stars for the amazing view
5 stars for the affordability
3 stars for the catering/wedding manager, who is not very responsive and is sometimes rude
3 stars for inside decor

I eventually went with another venue because I needed to invite more than 150 people. I really love this place though, and I'm thinking about having a cocktail rehearsal dinner at the Carnelian Room.

The view here is awesome. You have a great view of the Bay, that triangular building (sorry, don't know what it's called), and both bridges. It's the best view I've seen in the city.

While the view outside is unparalleled, what's inside the Carnelian Room is not as impressive. We had dinner here and the food was just mediocre. I had a steak and my FI had the fish. The steak was ok, but her fish was better left uneaten. I found the host and waiters to be somewhat condescending. Maybe they're trying to create a high class atmosphere, but I would rather have someone who's friendly.

I think it would be a good setting for a rehearsal dinner if you're willing to spring for $50-$60/person and it would be ok for an intimate wedding.

UPDATE:
We ended up having our rehearsal dinner here and it was great! We reserved the Belvedere Room and we had plenty of space for our 50 guests. The view was spectacular, especially at night. For food, we just had appetizers, fruits, water and soda. The appetizers were pretty good and I recommend this approach instead of a sit down meal for Carnelian Room b/c (as I noted earlier) the sit-down food is just mediocre. The cost came out to about $65 / person.

One note on food quantities: I initially ordered 35 of the 10-piece appetizer packages, one fruit platter, and one vegetable platter and that wasn't enough food. The vegetable platter was basically untouched. I had expected the veggie platter to have roasted peppers and the like, but it was basically raw vegetables and not particularly appetizing (although very healthy!). The fruit platter was pretty good and about half of it was eaten. I had to order 10 more of the appetizer packages for there to be enough food. So, stick with about 1 appetizer package per person and 1 fruit platter and you should be good.

Overall, I thought Carnelian was a really classy setting for a rehearsal dinner and I had a great time!

I originally wrote this review before my sister's wedding, so I thought I should write a new one. We had our rehearsal dinner here, and although I've never dined here for a sit-down meal, their catered food sucks. The only thing good about this place is the incredible view. It has a great ambience, but if you care about food that tastes good, don't bother going here!

The view is beautiful.

Great view... One of a kind view of San Francisco. The food was good and it was great working with the event coordinator.

Phil Ip - general manager of the Carnelian Room is great to work with - the location has one of the best views in the San Francisco, given it is not foggy - but even then - when the city lights are reflected through fog, the feeling is magical. The Carnelian Room offers several areas for your utilization - each room has a great view and can accomodate various party sizes. The food isn't bad either - nice presentation and the taste is just right. The staff at the Carnelian Room has been very accomodating as well. I would definitely work with them again!